CANZ Statement - United Nations General Assembly: 42nd Plenary Meeting, 79th Session: Debate on the Use of the Veto (Sudan)

Statement by H.E. James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand (CANZ)

26 November 2024

Thank you President,

I deliver this statement on behalf of Canada, New Zealand and my own country, Australia (CANZ).

Thank you for convening this meeting.

The veto initiative is a vital mechanism for promoting transparency and accountability of Security Council actions.

Since the beginning of the Sudan conflict in April 2023, CANZ countries have stressed the importance of protecting civilians, and ensuring safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access, in accordance with international humanitarian law.

We have called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties to negotiate a permanent cessation of hostilities.

In this context, we are deeply disappointed by Russia's decision to veto the draft resolution on strengthening measures to protect civilians and increase humanitarian access in Sudan.

President,

The scale of human suffering in Sudan is staggering.

Sudan is now the world's largest displacement crisis, with 11 million displaced persons, including more than three million who have fled into neighbouring countries.

This has been further exacerbated by a deteriorating humanitarian crisis.

Sudan is facing severe food insecurity, with more than half Sudan's population - 26.5 million people - suffering from acute hunger.

In August, famine conditions were confirmed by the Famine Review Committee in North Darfur, including in the Zamzam camp.

Nearly five million children under the age of five are acutely malnourished.

The United Nations has documented serious violations against children, including killing and maiming, attacks on schools and hospitals, and unlawful recruitment and use.

The conflict is also having devastating impacts on women and girls.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has stressed that conflict-related sexual violence, reportedly perpetrated by parties to the conflict, may amount to war crimes.

President,

The situation is untenable.

In May 2023, both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) signed the Jeddah Declarations.

They both recommitted to these principles in November 2023.

But their actions continue to demonstrate little regard for their respective obligations under international humanitarian law, and show no signs of stopping.

CANZ countries unequivocally condemn the ongoing violence, especially against civilians.

All parties to the conflict must uphold their commitments to protect civilians, and allow for safe, rapid, and unimpeded humanitarian access.

They must negotiate and adhere to a permanent ceasefire.

President,

CANZ countries strongly agree with the principles of the proposed draft Council resolution.

The international community, especially the Security Council, must commit to help bring about a ceasefire in Sudan, and with it, an end to violations and abuses of civilians.

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